Source Water Protection Plan HARPERS FERRY WATER WORKS
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Source Water Protection Plan HARPERS FERRY WATER WORKS PWSID WV3301912 JEFFERSON COUNTY 4/21/2016 Prepared by: Harpers Ferry Water Works and Advanced Land and Water, Inc.
Transcript of Source Water Protection Plan HARPERS FERRY WATER WORKS
Source Water Protection Plan
HARPERS FERRY WATER WORKS
PWSID WV3301912
JEFFERSON COUNTY
4/21/2016
Prepared by:
Harpers Ferry Water Works and Advanced Land and Water, Inc.
Table of Contents
Purpose .................................................................................................................................................... 1
What are the benefits of preparing a Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP)? .................................. 2
Background: WV Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) Program ............................. 2
State Regulatory Requirements ............................................................................................................ 3
System Information ................................................................................................................................ 3
Water Treatment and Storage .............................................................................................................. 4
Delineations ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Protection Team ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Potential Significant Sources of Contamination .................................................................................. 11
Confidentiality of PSSCs .................................................................................................................... 11
Local and Regional PSSCs .................................................................................................................. 12
Prioritization of Threats and Management Strategies ......................................................................... 14
Implementation Plan for Management Strategies .............................................................................. 15
Education and Outreach Strategies ...................................................................................................... 20
Contingency Plan ................................................................................................................................... 23
Response Networks and Communication ............................................................................................ 24
Operation During Loss of Power......................................................................................................... 25
Future Water Supply Needs ................................................................................................................ 26
Water Loss Calculation ....................................................................................................................... 26
Early Warning Monitoring System ..................................................................................................... 28
Single Source Feasibility Study ............................................................................................................. 30
Communication Plan ............................................................................................................................. 30
Emergency Response Short Form ....................................................................................................... 31
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 31
List of Tables
Table 1. Population Served by the Harpers Ferry Water System ............................................... 4
Table 2. The Harpers Ferry Water System Water Treatment Information ............................... 5
Table 3. The Harpers Ferry Water System Surface Water Sources ........................................... 6
Table 4. The Harpers Ferry Water System Groundwater Sources ............................................. 6
Table 5. Source Water Protection Area Delineation Information ............................................... 8
Table 6. Protection Team Member and Contact Information ..................................................... 10
Table 7. New Locally Identified Potential Significant Sources of Contamination ..................... 13
Table 8. Priority PSSCs or Critical Areas ...................................................................................... 16
Table 9. Priority PSSC Management Strategies ............................................................................ 17
Table 10. Education and Outreach Implementation Plan ............................................................ 21
Table 11. The Harpers Ferry Water System Water Shortage Response Capability .................. 24
Table 12. Generator Capacity ......................................................................................................... 25
Table 13. Future Water Supply Needs for the Harpers Ferry Water System ............................ 26
Table 14. Water Loss Information .................................................................................................. 27
Table 15. Early Warning Monitoring System Capabilities .......................................................... 29
Appendices
Appendix A. Figures ................................................................................................................... 33
Appendix B. Early Warning Monitoring System Forms ........................................................ 43
Appendix C. Communication Plan ........................................................................................... 49
Appendix D. Single Source Feasibility Study ........................................................................... 67
Appendix E. Supporting Documentation ................................................................................. 68
E-1. ALWI PSSC Update and Source Inspection
E-2. Locally Identified PSSC Database Search
E-3. Harpers Ferry Water System Previous SWPP
E-4. Harpers Ferry Water System Protection Team Meeting Minutes
E-5. Emergency Response Plan Signature Page
E-6. Engineering Evaluation
E-7. Railroad Emergency Response Trainings and Services
SOURCE WATER PROGRAM ACRONYMS
AST Aboveground Storage Tank
BMP Best Management Practices
ERP Emergency Response Plan
GWUDI Ground Water Under the Direct Influence of Surface Water
LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committee
OEHS/EED Office of Environmental Health Services/Environmental Engineering Division
PE Professional Engineer
PSSCs Potential Source of Significant Contamination
PWSU Public Water System Utility
RAIN River Alert Information Network
RPDC Regional Planning and Development Council
SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act
SWAP Source Water Assessment and Protection
SWAR Source Water Assessment Report
SWAPP Source Water Assessment and Protection Program
SWP Source Water Protection
SWPA Source Water Protection Area
SWPP Source Water Protection Plan
WARN Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network
WHPA Wellhead Protection Area
WHPP Wellhead Protection Program
WSDA Watershed Delineation Area
WVBPH West Virginia Bureau for Public Health
WVCA West Virginia Conservation Agency
WVDEP West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
WVDHHR West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
WVDHSEM Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
ZCC Zone of Critical Concern
ZPC Zone of Peripheral Concern
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Purpose
The goal of the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (WVBPH) Source Water Assessment and Protection
(SWAP) program is to prevent degradation of source waters which may preclude present and future uses of
drinking water supplies, to provide safe water in sufficient quantity to users. The most efficient way to
accomplish this goal is to encourage and oversee source water protection at a local level. Many aspects of source
water protection are best addressed by engaging local stakeholders and local government officials.
The intent of this document is to describe what Harpers Ferry Water Works has done, is currently doing, and
plans to do to protect its source of drinking water. Although this water system treats water to meet federal and
state drinking water standards, conventional treatment does not fully eradicate all potential contaminants.
Treatment that goes beyond conventional methods is often very expensive to implement, maintain and operate.
By completing this plan, Harpers Ferry Water Works acknowledges that implementing measures to prevent
contamination of system water sources can be a relatively economical way to help protect drinking water in
ways that it can continue to be provided to customers, reliably and safely.
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What are the benefits of preparing a Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP)?
Fulfills the West Virginia state requirement for the public water utilities to complete or update their source water protection plan.
Provides a means for identification and prioritization of potential threats to sources of drinking water; and the establishment of strategies to minimize the threats.
Establishes plans for emergency response to incidents that may come to compromise the water supply source(s) by contamination or depletion, and includes the manner in which the public, state, and local agencies will be notified of such an occurrence.
Evaluates and establishes plans for future expansion and development of water resources, including the need to identify secondary sources of water.
Ensures optimal treatment conditions exist to provide the safest and highest quality drinking water to customers at the lowest possible cost.
Provides opportunities for funding to improve water system infrastructure, purchase land in the protection area, and for other improvements to either the sources, or their associated Source Water Protection Areas (SWPAs).
Background: WV Source Water Assessment and Protection Program
Since 1974, the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) has set minimum standards on the construction and
operation of public water systems, including Harpers Ferry Water Works, as well as the quality of finished water
provided to the public. In 1986, Congress amended the SDWA. A portion of those amendments were designed
to protect the source water contribution areas around ground water supply wells. This program eventually
became known as the Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP). The purpose of the WHPP is to prevent pollution
of source water supplying groundwater sources relied upon by public water systems.
The Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 expanded the concept of wellhead protection to include
surface water sources under the umbrella term of Source Water Protection. The amendments encourage states to
establish SWAP programs to protect all public drinking water supplies (both surface water and groundwater
sources). As part of this initiative, states must explain how protection areas for each public water system are
delineated, how potential contaminant sources are inventoried, and how susceptibility ratings are established.
In 1999, the WVBPH published the West Virginia SWAP Program, which was endorsed by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency. Over the next few years, WVBPH staff completed an assessment (i.e.,
delineation, inventory and susceptibility analysis) for all of West Virginia’s public water systems. Each public
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water system was sent a copy of its assessment report. Information regarding assessment reports for Harpers
Ferry Water Works can be found in Table 1.
State Regulatory Requirements
On June 6, 2014, §16 1 2 and §16 1 9a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931,was reenacted and amended by
adding three new sections, designated §16 1 9c, §16 1 9d and §16-1-9e. The changes to the code outline specific
requirements for public water utilities that draw water from surface water sources or Ground Water Under the
Direct Influence of Surface Water (GWUDI) sources.
Under the amended and newly added codes, each existing public water utility operating surface water and/or
GWUDI sources must have completed or updated a Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP) by July 1, 2016, and
must continue to update their plan every three years. Existing SWPPs have been developed for many public
water utilities in the past. If available, these SWPPs were reviewed and considered in the development of this
updated plan. Any new water system established after July 1, 2016 must submit a SWPP before operations
commence. A new plan is also required when there is a significant change in the Potential Sources of Significant
Contamination (PSSC) within the Source Water Protection Area (SWPA), which includes the Zone of Critical
Concern (ZCC) for surface sources.
The code also requires that public water utilities include details regarding PSSCs, protection measures, system
capacities, contingency plans, and communication plans in their SWPP. Before a SWPP can be approved, the
local health department and public will be invited to contribute information and provide comments for
consideration. In some instances, public water utilities may be asked to conduct independent studies of the
SWPA and specific threats within their SWPA to gain further insight about the origin of their water for the
purpose of developing strategies to better protect these vital resources.
System Information
Harpers Ferry Water Works is classified as a state regulated public utility and operates a community public
water system. A community public water system is a system that regularly supplies drinking water from its own
sources to at least 15 service connections used by year round residents, or regularly serves 25 or more people
throughout the entire year. Information on the population served by this utility is presented in Table 1 below.
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Table 1. Population Served by Harpers Ferry Water Works
Administrative office location: 1000 Washington St., Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Is the system a public utility, according to the Public Service Commission rule?
Yes
Date of Most Recent Source Water Assessment Report (SWAR):
2006
Date of Most Recent Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP):
2011
Population served directly: 2,122 customers on 814 metered connections
Bulk Water Purchaser Systems:
System Name PWSID Number Population
None
Total Population Served by the Utility: 2,122
Does the utility have multiple source water protection areas (SWPAs)?
Yes
How many SWPAs does the utility have?
3; the utility has one ZCC for its primary source, Elks Run, and a second ZCC for its backup source, the Potomac River. The utility also has a delineated capture zone for Town Spring, which discharges
directly into Elks Run and has some overlap with the existing Elks Run ZCC.
Water Treatment and Storage
As required, Harpers Ferry Water Works has assessed their system (e.g., treatment capacity, storage capacity,
unaccounted for water, contingency plans) to evaluate their ability to provide drinking water and protect public
health. Table 2 contains information on the water treatment methods and capacity of the utility. Information
about the surface sources from which Harpers Ferry Water Works draws water can be found in Table 3.
Information regarding the utilities’ only groundwater source, Town Spring, which discharges directly into Elks
Run, is provided in Table 4.
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Table 2. Harpers Ferry Water Works Water Treatment Information
Water Treatment Processes
(List All Processes in Order)
Pre-Sedimentation, Coagulation, Flocculation, Sedimentation, Filtration, Disinfection, Fluoridation
Current Treatment Capacity (gal/day) 500,000
Current Average Production (gal/day) 215,000
Maximum Quantity Treated and Produced (gal) 315,000
Minimum Quantity Treated and Produced (gal) 170,000
Average Hours of Operation 11.5 hours/day
Maximum Hours of Operation in One Day 16
Minimum Hours of Operation in One Day 8
Number of Storage Tanks Maintained 3
Total Gallons of Treated Water Storage (gal) 991,000
Total Gallons of Raw Water Storage (gal) 77,000 (in the pre-sedimentation basin)
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Table 3. Harpers Ferry Water Works Surface Water Sources
Intake Name SDWIS # Local Name Describe Intake Name of Water Source
Date Constructed/
Modified
Frequency of Use (Primary/
Backup/ Emergency)
Activity Status (Active/
Inactive)
Elks Run Intake TP001 Elks Run
Consists of a small surface impoundment which diverts water into a concrete
collection box protected/filtered by two stainless steel screens.
Elks Run 1942 Primary Active
Potomac River Intake
TP001 Potomac
The intake is located near the base of the Potomac River, approximately 200 feet offshore. An 8-inch transmission line runs out to a 10’x10’ collection box.
Potomac River
1985 Backup Inactive, but
tested monthly
Table 4. Harpers Ferry Water Works Groundwater Sources
Does the utility blend with groundwater?
Yes, indirectly. The pipeline from the spring to the water treatment plant has not worked for at least four years. Water from the spring now discharges into Elks Run
upgradient of the utility’s surface water intake, thereby contributing to the water quality of the stream. According to the West Virginia Rural Water Association,
flow from the Town Spring is derived from a fracture system north of the spring, which is influenced by an overlying losing stream. The recharge area for the spring
approximates 186 acres, and partially overlaps the existing ZCC delineation.
Well/Spring Name
SDWIS # Local Name Date
Constructed/Modified
Completion Report
Available
(Yes/No)
Well Depth
(ft)
Casing Depth
(ft)
Grout
(Yes/No)
Frequency of Use
(Primary/ Backup/
Emergency)
Activity Status
(Active/ Inactive)
Harpers Ferry Spring
Town Spring
N/A N/A N/A No Indirectly primary
Inactive but contributing
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Delineations
For surface water systems, defining a Watershed Delineation Area (WSDA) entails identifying and mapping the
drainage basin that potentially supplies water to a point of interest. For surface water sources, this corresponds
to a surface water intake. Oftentimes, watershed delineations are based on topographic maps, and are created by
tracing and mapping the topographic high points that act as surface water and, presumably, groundwater divides
relative to other drainage basins. Surface water sources are susceptible to contamination because they are
exposed to the atmosphere and other sources of pollution located at the land surface. Unlike most groundwater
sources, they also lack a natural, subsurface protective barrier from contamination, such as soil media that might
filter or retain some pollutants. Accidental spills, releases, sudden precipitation events that result in overland
runoff, or storm sewer discharges can allow pollutants at the land surface to readily enter surface water bodies
and potentially contaminate the source of drinking water at the intake. For regulatory purposes, the SWPA for
surface water sources is distinguished as the Zone of Critical Concern (ZCC).
The WSDA includes the entire watershed area upgradient of the intake, to either the political boundary that is
the West Virginia state line, or a topographic divide. The ZCC for a public surface water supply is a corridor
along streams within the watershed that warrants more detailed scrutiny due to its proximity to the surface water
intake and the intake’s susceptibility to potential contaminants within that corridor. The ZCC is determined
using a mathematical model that accounts for stream flows, gradient and topography. The length of the ZCC is
based on a five-hour time-of-travel of water in the streams (and associated tributaries) to the surface water
intake, plus an additional one-quarter mile below the water intake. The width of the ZCC is 1,000 feet measured
horizontally from each bank of the principal stream and 500 feet measured horizontally from each bank of the
tributaries draining into the principal stream.
The ZPC for a public surface water supply source is a corridor along streams within a watershed that warrants
scrutiny due to its proximity to the surface water intake and the intake’s susceptibility to potential contaminants
within that corridor. The ZPC is determined using a mathematical model that accounts for stream flows, gradient
and topography. The length of the ZPC is based on an additional five-hour time-of-travel of water in the streams
beyond the perimeter of the ZCC, which creates a protection zone of ten hours above the water intake. The
width of the ZPC is 1,000 feet measured horizontally from each bank of the principal stream and 500 feet
measured horizontally from each bank of the tributaries draining into the principal stream.
For groundwater supplies, BPH makes use of two types of SWPA delineations: 1) wellhead delineations and 2)
conjunctive delineations. Conjunctive delineations are developed for supplies identified as GWUDI sources. A
Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) is determined to be the area contributing to the recharge of the groundwater
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source (well or spring), within a five-year time of travel. A conjunctive delineation combines a WHPA for the
hydrogeologic recharge area (five-year time of travel) and an additionally connected area surrounding a surface
water body that contributes water to a groundwater source. Conjunctive delineations, therefore, have been
created for GWUDI sources.
Information and maps of the ZCC (which we will refer to as the SWPA in this document), for this public water
supply were provided to the utility and are attached to this report see Appendix A Figures. Other information
about the WSDA is shown in Table 5.
Table 5. Watershed Delineation Information
Source Name Elks Run Potomac River
Size of WSDA (Acres) 11,481 4,035,042.
River Watershed Name (8-digit HUC)
Conococheague-Opequon (HUC 02070004)
Size of Zone of Critical Concern (Acres)
2,573 10,685
Size of Zone of Peripheral Concern
(Acres)
(Include ZCC area)
2,515 Acres; The ZPC is similar in size to the ZCC because the ZCC extends to the headwaters of Elks
Run. 26,674 Acres
Method of Delineation for Groundwater
Sources
The WHPA for Town Spring, which contributes flow to Elks Run, is based on the recharge area and hydrogeologic studies performed using rhodamine
dye. The recharge area is determined by dividing the annual spring discharge (gpm) by the annual
recharge rate (in gallons per square mile).
N/A; Surface water source
Area of Wellhead Protection Area
(Acres)
186 acres for Town Spring. Note: This delineation has overlap with the ZCC for the proximal tributary
to Elks Run.
N/A; Surface water source
Protection Team
Communities with successful SWPPs form a Protection Team to help develop and implement
management and protection strategies. A Protection Team provides a broader level of oversight of the
source water protection effort and includes individuals familiar with protective strategies. Active team
members for Harpers Ferry Water Works include: water supply staff, the Town mayor, representatives
from the Harpers Ferry Water Commission, representatives from the West Virginia Department Of
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Environmental Protection and West Virginia Conservation Agency, and other local government
officials, including the director of the planning department. A complete list of Protection Team
members can be found in Table 6. Some government and business agencies were unable to participate
in this iteration of the source water protection effort. Their participation should be sought in future
iterations of the SWPP, which is updated at least every three years or as significant changes occur
within the SWPA (i.e., changes to PSSCs or sources of water).
With Harpers Ferry Water Works oversight and approval, Advanced Land and Water, Inc. (ALWI)
assembled the Protection Team. Members were provided the opportunity to contribute to the
development of the SWPP. The Protection Team reviewed the system’s existing Source Water
Assessment Reports (SWARs), included as Appendix E-3 of this report, as well as newly-collected
PSSC data to make informed decisions on potential threats, protective measures, and implementation
actions. The Protection Team will continue to be responsible for updating the SWPP in the future and
documenting their efforts to engage local stakeholders.
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Table 6. Protection Team Member and Contact Information
Name Representing Title Phone Number Email
Josh Carter Harpers Ferry Water Works Water System Manager - -
Barbara Humes Harpers Ferry Water Commission Chairperson - -
Gregory Vaughn Town of Harpers Ferry Mayor - -
Laurel Drake Harpers Ferry Water Commission - -
Alana Hartman WVDEP Watershed Improvement
Branch Environmental Resources Analyst - -
Suzy Campbell West Virginia Conservation Agency Conservation Specialist - -
John D Brown Harpers Ferry Police Department Chief of Police - -
Monica Whyte West Virginia Bureau for Public Health Environmental Resources Specialist - -
Jennifer M. Brockman*
Jefferson County Department of Planning and Zoning
Director of Planning and Zoning - -
Barbara Miller* Jefferson County Commission OHSEM Director - -
Eric Bell* Jefferson County Commission Commissioner, Harpers Ferry District - -
David Lillard* West Virginia Rivers Coalition Special Projects Manager - -
Date of first protection Team Meeting March 18, 2016
Efforts to inform and engage local stakeholders and explain absence of recommended stakeholders:
A list of local stakeholders invited to join the Protection Team is provided in Appendix E-4. Reasons for their absence are explained therein.
*These representatives could not attend the first Protection Team meeting, but have expressed interest in assisting with the source water protection effort.
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Potential Sources of Significant Contamination
This SWPP provides a comprehensive list of the Potential Sources of Significant Contamination (PSSCs)
contained within the SWPA (specifically the Elks Run ZCC and Town Spring recharge area), based upon
information obtained from the WVBPH, working in cooperation with the Department of Environmental
Protection (WVDEP) and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM). A
facility or activity is listed as a PSSC if it has the potential to release a contaminant that could potentially impact
a nearby public water supply. This does not necessarily indicate that any release has occurred, presently or
historically.
The database information that utilities received of PSSCs located in their SWPA is organized into two types: 1)
SWAP PSSCs, and 2) Regulated Data. SWAP PSSCs are those that have been collected and verified by the
WVBPH SWAP Program during previous field investigations to form the SWARs and SWPPs. Typical means
of identifying and/or confirming the existence of previously identified PSSCs involves performing a
desktop Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, in which a group performs a digital, desktop
“reconnaissance” of potential hazards that can be identified and/or verified using a combination of
recent orthophotography and state-provided PSSC database information. Regulated PSSCs are derived
from federal and state regulated databases, and may include data from WVDEP, US Environmental Protection
Agency, WVDHSEM, and from other state data sources. There are several criteria for which a facility may be
named on the WV BPH Regulated Databases (i.e., storage of hazardous materials, stormwater management,
etc.). As a result, some facilities may appear as duplicates in the tables presented in Appendix A.
Confidentiality of PSSCs
A list of the PSSCs contained within the SWPA should be included in this SWPP. However, the exact location,
characteristics and approximate quantities of contaminants only were made known to a select designee of the
public water utility. This representative has maintained, and will continue to maintain this information in a
confidential manner. In the event of a chemical spill, release or other related emergency, information pertaining
to such an event will immediately be disseminated to appropriate emergency responders. The designee for
Harpers Ferry Water Works is identified in the communication planning section of the SWPP.
PSSC data from some agencies (ex. WVDHSEM, WVDEP, etc.) may be restricted due to the confidential nature
of the data. However, geospatial data has been provided to the public water utility’s selected designee. To obtain
specific details regarding contaminants (such as information included in Tier II reports), the water utility will
continue to contact local emergency agencies, directly. Maps and lists of the Non-Confidential SWAP and
Regulated PSSCs are provided in Appendix A Figures.
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Local and Regional PSSCs
For the purposes of this SWPP, local PSSCs are those that are identified by the Harpers Ferry Protection Team,
consultants to Harpers Ferry Water Works, or local stakeholders in addition to the PSSCs lists distributed by the
WVBPH and other agencies. Local PSSCs may be identified for two main reasons. The first is that it is possible
that threats exist from unregulated sources and land uses that have not already been inventoried and do not
appear in regulated databases. For this reason each public water utility should conduct periodic investigations of
their protection area for local PSSCs. A PSSC inventory should identify all contaminant sources and land uses
in the delineated ZCC. The second reason local PSSCs are identified is because public water utilities may
consider expanding the PSSC inventory effort outside of the SWPA and further into the WSDA, if necessary, to
properly identify threats that could impact their drinking water supply source(s). As the utility considers threats
in the watershed they may consider collaborating with nearby communities to identify and manage regional
PSSCs.
When conducting local and regional PSSC inventories, some sources may be obvious, such as above ground
storage tanks, landfills, livestock confinement areas, highway or railroad right of ways, and sewage treatment
facilities. Other potential hazards may be more difficult to locate, such as abandoned cesspools, underground
tanks, French drains, dry wells, or old dumps and mines.
ALWI completed a desktop GIS survey of the SWPAs to verify the existence of PSSCs previously identified in
agency databases and historic documentation. ALWI also reviewed the SWPAs to locate new PSSCs.
Information on new or updated PSSCs can be found in Table 7.
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Table 7. Locally Identified Potential Sources of Significant Contamination
PSSC Number
Map Code Site Name Site Description Comments
1 A-6 CONFIDENTIAL Multiple orchard fields exist within the ZCC, immediately north of Shenandoah
Junction and East of Route 16.
Unknown orchard name, plant type, fertilizer practices, and pesticide/herbicide practices. Nutrients, pesticides and herbicides may all potentially enter Elk Branch from runoff.
2 A-5 CONFIDENTIAL Aerially expansive agricultural lands used
to cultivate corn Located SW of the Duffields MARC Station
3 C-43 CONFIDENTIAL Lawn Mower and Other Equipment Repair
Shop Potential for minimal VOC and/or SOC
Contamination
4 A-5 CONFIDENTIAL Agricultural lands used to cultivate corn Located North of the Duffields MARC
Station
5 A-5 CONFIDENTIAL Agricultural land west of Daniel Road Appears to be hay or wheat based on
available 2014 imagery
6 A-5 CONFIDENTIAL Agricultural land west of Daniel Road Small agricultural plots and
nurseries/greenhouses
7 A-5 CONFIDENTIAL Agricultural land east of Daniel Road Appears to be hay or wheat based on
available 2014 imagery
8 A-18 CONFIDENTIAL Livestock kept on south side of site in
proximity to Elks Run
While cattle fencing is present, cattle appear to have direct access to Elks Run based on
available 2014 imagery
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Prioritization of Potential Threats and Management Strategies
The identified PSSCs have been prioritized by potential threat based on water quality concerns, proximity to
system water sources, and other local concerns In addition to identifying and prioritizing PSSCs within the
SWPA, local source water concerns may also focus on critical areas. For the purposes of this SWPP, a critical
area is defined as an area, identified by local stakeholders, within or outside of the SWPA, that may contain one
or more PSSC(s) and/or within which immediate response would be necessary to address the incident and to
protect source waters.
The highest priority PSSCs or critical areas affecting primary drinking water source(s) will be addressed first in
the management plan. It may not be feasible to develop management strategies for all of the PSSCs within the
SWPA, depending on the total number identified. Lower ranked PSSCs will be addressed in the future as time
and resources allow. To assess potential threats to source waters, the Harpers Ferry Protection Team and ALWI
have considered information regarding each PSSC. PSSCs within the Potomac SWPA have been de-prioritized
at this time, so as to give greater focus to those PSSCs associated with primary sources. Notwithstanding their
de-prioritization, PSSCs associated with the Potomac Intake are listed in Appendix A.
After identifying local concerns, the Harpers Ferry Water Works Protection Team developed and prioritized
management strategies to protect the source water from contamination, in cooperation with the WVBPH, local
health departments, local emergency responders, LEPCs, and other agencies and organizations. This task was
completed at the Harpers Ferry Protection Team Meeting, hosted at the Harpers Ferry Town Hall on March 18,
2016. A list of local representatives involved in the decision making process is provided in Table 6. Source
management strategies are any actions taken to protect the source water from specific PSSCs, categories of
PSSCs (e.g., agricultural, commercial, etc.), and critical areas. It is advisable to focus source management
strategies on high-priority PSSCs, with a particular focus on those that are within the utility’s jurisdiction.
However, the utility can protect against contaminant sources outside of its jurisdiction by working with the
officials of the entities within which the sources and/or PSSCs are located.
Table 8 presents a list of priority PSSCs and critical areas that were selected and ranked by the Harpers Ferry
Water Works Protection Team. This list reflects the concerns of this specific utility and local government
representatives and may contain PSSCs not previously identified and not within the SWPA. It contains a
description of why each critical area or PSSC is considered a threat.
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Implementation Plan for Management Strategies
Source management strategies are any actions taken to protect source waters from specific PSSCs, categories of
PSSCs, and critical areas. For example, prohibitions of certain land uses or facilities, design standards, best
management practices, operating standards, and reporting requirements are typical source management
strategies. Land purchases, conservation easements, and purchase of development rights are also considered
source management strategies. As a management strategy, water utilities may also consider notification to and
coordination with government agencies during a water supply impairment event. Finally, one strategy all water
utilities should implement is periodic surveys of their SWPAs to maintain an active and updated inventory and
awareness of potential threats.
Harpers Ferry Water Works reviewed the recommended strategies listed in their previous SWPP, to consider if
any of them should be adopted and incorporated in this updated plan. Table 9 provides a brief statement
summarizing the status of the recommended strategies. Table 9 also lists strategies from a previous plan that are
being incorporated in this plan update.
For source management strategies and education and outreach strategies, this utility has considered how and
when the strategies will be implemented. The initial step in implementation is to establish responsible parties
and timelines to implement the strategies. The water utility, working in conjunction with the Protection Team
members, determines the best process for completing activities within the projected time periods. Additional
meetings may be needed during the initial effort to complete activities, after which the Protection Team should
consider meeting annually to review and update the SWPP. A system of regular updates should be included in
every implementation plan.
Proposed commitments and schedules related to both protection strategies and education/outreach strategies may
change. The Harpers Ferry Water Works Protection Team has developed an implementation plan for each PSSC
that is listed in the Prioritization of Threats section (Table 8). The responsible team member, timeline, and
potential cost of each strategy are presented in Table 9.
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Table 8. Priority PSSCs or Critical Areas
PSSC or Critical Area Priority Number Reason for Concern
CSX and Norfolk Southern Railroads 1
Railroads present a potential threat to surface water and shallow karst aquifers due to the possibility of spills and train derailments. A CSX Railroad runs through the ZCC along Elk Branch for approximately 5.4 miles and passes the water treatment plant in close proximity. A railway owned and operated by Norfolk Southern also runs through the headwater areas of both Elk Branch and Elks Run. A direct spill into Elk Branch would take less than 5 hours to reach the Water Treatment Plant.
Agricultural Activities 2
As a result of agricultural and pastoral land uses in the area, nutrient levels can become elevated in surrounding surface water bodies and/or the underlying groundwater system. Such activities may also introduce bacteriologicals and
sediment to local waterways.
Septic Systems & Public Sewer 3
The status of some older septic systems is unknown and failures and leaks are possible. Unlike other areas, in karst terrain a septic tends to fail downwards and can therefore be virtually undetectable. Where feasible, public sewer expansion is more favorable, but sinkhole monitoring and leak detection are encouraged. BATs
and pre-treatment are encouraged for new septic systems that come to be built in the watershed, particularly in the SWPA.
Commercial & Industrial Activities 4
These facilities pose a threat due to the potential for accidental leaks, spills, improper disposal of petroleum products and other wastes, or improperly managed stormwater runoff. However, contributions from these facilities are likely minimal relative to the volume of water moving through the watershed. Harpers Ferry does
not have the capability to treat for some contaminants that may originate from these sites. Other industrial facilities are located within the watershed, but outside of the
ZCC, and are concentrated at the Burr Industrial Park. The Burr Industrial Park overlies the most upgradient portion of the recharge area contributing to the Elks
Run Watershed.
17
Table 9. Priority PSSC Management Strategies
PSSC or Critical Area
Management Activity Responsible
Protection Team Member
Status/Schedule
Comments Estimated Cost
Railroads
Harpers Ferry Water Works and Harpers Ferry Police Department personnel will contact Jefferson County OHSEM
and LEPC coordinators to discuss utilizing the training materials provided by CSX railways (i.e., planning guides and in-person/on-site trainings, featuring a safety rail car) across the County. Discussions will help ensure that OHSEM and
emergency responders will have access to the CSX Rail Respond program, which provides easy mobile access to critical information about what's traveling on CSX rails.
Information regarding these programs is provided in Appendix E-7. Discussions may also focus on performing
routine Emergency Response drills for Highway and Railroad spills. Stockpiling spill response equipment in key locations
proximal to water utilities will also be discussed.
Harpers Ferry Water Works will work with WV DEP or BPH,along with OHSEM, and the railroad companies to discuss safety measures, emergency plans and inspection
routine(s).
Josh Carter (HFWW) and Chief
Brown (Harpers Ferry Police Department)
Within 2 years
Staff time involving members from Harpers Ferry
Water Works, DOT, OHSEM, other
LEPC agencies and BPH and/or WV
DEP.
Staff time at the LEPC level, and for
members of local emergency response stations (e.g., local
fire department, police department,
etc.).
General Watershed
The utility will contact the Potomac River Basin Drinking Water Source Protection Partnership, which is composed of multiple state agencies and other water systems that use the Potomac River as a primary source, to discuss membership opportunities. The Protection Partnership works together to
target key contaminants concerns of point and non-point source origin, and to raise educational awareness via public
outreach measures.
Barbara Humes, Harpers Ferry
Water Commission (HFWC)
Within 1 year
Staff time for the initial inquiry and
any attended meetings, in addition to
membership dues.
18
Agricultural Activities
Harpers Ferry Water Works and the West Virginia Conservation Agency will work with the County Extension Service, the Soil and Water Conservation District, and/or
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to encourage agricultural land owners to participate in nutrient management
planning, forest conservation, land retirement and management programs (including riparian zone preservation or restoration) within the SWPA. Efforts here will primarily
focus on education and outreach measures, though the WVCA also promotes cost-sharing programs to provide cattle fencing,
etc.
Barbara Humes (HFWC) and Suzy Campbell (WVCA)
Ongoing Staff time and
time/grant funding from the WVCA.
New Septic Systems
The Harpers Ferry Protection Team is working with the Jefferson County Planning Department (and Health
Department) to explore the possibility of requiring Best Available Technologies (BATs) for new septic systems that
will be installed within the ZCC delineated by the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health. Discussions will focus on
whether or not local ordinances could require the use of BAT’s in the ZCC.
Harpers Ferry Protection Team
Within 1 year
Staff time pursuing this possibility;
otherwise dependent on future
agreements.
New Subdivisions
The Harpers Ferry Protection Team is working with the Jefferson County Planning Department to discuss the concept of providing education for open-space preservation and open-
space conservation subdivision planning. Outside of educational awareness, the Harpers Ferry Protection Team
will also inquire as to whether or not local ordinances can be revised to protect or rehabilitate riparian zones impacted by
development. Stormwater management requirements will also be reviewed and discussed to determine if better management
strategies can be incorporated into subdivision designs through regulations. Should revised ordinances and regulations prove infeasible, the Harpers Ferry Protection Team also plans to
discuss an economic incentive program whereby land developers who utilize BMPs to reduce stormwater runoff
receive economic credits, whereas those who do not or exceed a percent impervious surface pay a fee that can be used to fund
watershed restoration efforts elsewhere in the watershed.
Harpers Ferry Protection Team
Within 1 year
Staff time pursuing this possibility;
otherwise dependent on future
agreements.
19
These strategies will be discussed with the Jefferson County Commission.
Commercial Facilities
Harpers Ferry Water Works will distribute site-specific Best Management Practice lists, along with advanced hazardous
materials containment options, to commercial facilities within the ZCC on an as-needed basis. Consideration may also be given to providing similar information to commercial and industrial business owners outside the ZCC, but within the
watershed.
Harpers Ferry Water Works
On an as-needed basis
Staff time
compiling materials and cost of postage.
Previous Plan Status
There were eight management strategies recommended in the existing plan. Two of these strategies have been undertaken. All eight of these are ongoing or continue to be a concern.
These are incorporated in this plan update and are provided in Appendix E-3.
Harpers Ferry Water Commission
Varied between
ongoing/as needed and five years
Comments regarding
implementation of management
activities can be found in the
previous SWPP, which is included in
Appendix E-3.
Staff time, except for sewer
expansion, which included
engineering and equipment costs.
20
Education and Outreach Strategies
The goals of education and outreach strategies are to raise awareness of the need to protect drinking water
supplies and build support for implementation strategies. Education and outreach activities will also help ensure
that affected citizens and other local stakeholders remain informed and are provided an opportunity to contribute
to the development of the SWPP. Harpers Ferry Water Works has created an Education and Outreach plan that
describes activities it has either already implemented or could implement in the future to keep the local
community involved in protecting their sources of drinking water. This information can be found in Table 10.
21
Table 10. Education and Outreach Implementation Plan
Education and Outreach Strategy
Description of Activity Responsible
Protection Team Member
Status/Schedule Comments Estimated Cost
Become a PRBSWPP
member
ALWI recommends that Harpers Ferry Water Works become a member of the
PRBSWPP (Potomac River Basin Source Water Protection Partnership),
which is an interstate program that provides SWP education and outreach
opportunities, among various other services oriented towards protecting
and improving the quality of water for the Potomac River. While the Potomac River Intake is only a backup source
for Harpers Ferry, Elks Run (the primary source for Harpers Ferry) is
still within the Potomac River Watershed and it discharges to the
Potomac River.
Barbara Humes, (HFWC)
Within 1 year
The HFWC will contact the Potomac
River Basin Drinking Water
Source Protection Partnership, to
discuss membership opportunities.
Staff time and any membership fees
BMP lists
Distribute lists of industry specific BMPs to the owners of (1) Car Repair
Shops and (2) Agricultural Lands/Facilities within the SWPA
(Future Farmers, etc.). Provide SWPP education materials. Additional areas outside the ZCC but within the Elks
Run Watershed may also be considered.
Harpers Ferry Protection Team
On an as-needed basis
Staff time and fees
associated with mailing information.
Clean Up Events
Coordinate with local cleanup efforts and publicize projects. Work closely with Watershed Associations in this
regard.
Suzy Campbell (WVCA) & Harpers Ferry Water Works
Ongoing
Volunteer and staff time, otherwise,
project dependent for cost of materials.
22
Early Education
Work with area schools to include source water protection information
into the curriculum, or present information at assemblies or in
classroom events (e.g., environmental science class).
Suzy Campbell (West Virginia
Conservation Agency) Ongoing
The West Virginia Conservation Agency runs a
macroinvertebrate analysis program (in
the Elks Run Watershed) with
local middle school students. WVCA
also hosts workshops and improvement
projects throughout the watershed.
Display Information
Include informational materials (i.e., brochures, maps, etc.) in county
government offices and other public places (i.e., local fairs). Host non-
confidential SWPP online for public review and comment. Work with DOT
for protection area sign expansion/coverage.
Barbara Humes (HFWC) and Monica
Whyte (WVBPH) Ongoing
Staff time associated with getting
permission from County entities, staff
time and cost associated with
printing materials.
23
Contingency Plan
The goal of contingency planning is to identify and document how the utility will prepare for and respond to
drinking water shortages or emergencies that may occur due to short and long term water interruption, or
incidents of contamination resulting from spills or other events. Harpers Ferry Water Works staff examined their
capability to protect their intake, treatment, and distribution system from contamination. They also reviewed
their ability to use alternative sources and minimize water loss, as well as their ability to operate during power
outages. In addition, the utility has reported on the feasibility of establishing an early warning monitoring
system and meeting future water demands.
Isolating or diverting possibly contaminated water from a surface water intake for a public water system is an
important strategy in the event of an emergency. One commonly used method of diverting contaminated water
from an intake is establishing booms around the intake. This can be effective, but only for contaminants that
float on the surface of the water, such as hydrocarbons. Alternatively, utilities can choose to pump floating
contaminants from the water or chemically neutralize the contaminant before it enters the treatment facility.
Public utilities using surface sources should be able to close the intake by one means or another. However,
depending upon the system, methods for doing so could vary greatly from closing valves, lowering hatches or
gates, raising the intake piping out of the water, or shutting down pumps. Systems should have plans in place in
advance as to the best method to protect the intake and treatment facility. Utilities may benefit from turning off
pumps and, if possible, closing the intake opening to prevent contaminants from entering the piping leading to
the pumps. Utilities also should have a plan in place to sample raw water to identify the movement of a plume
and allow for maximum pumping time before shutting down an intake (See Early Warning Monitoring System).
The amount of time that an intake can remain closed depends on the water infrastructure and should be
determined by the utility before an emergency occurs. The longer an intake can remain closed in such a case, the
better.
Treated water storage capacity also becomes important in the event of such an emergency or contaminant
release. Storage capacity can directly determine how well a water system can respond to a contamination event
and how long an intake can remain closed or offline. Information regarding the water shortage response
capability of Harpers Ferry Water Works is provided in Table 11.
24
Response Networks and Communication
Statewide initiatives for emergency response, including source water related incidents, are being developed.
These include the West Virginia Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WV WARN, see
http://www.wvwarn.org/) and the Rural Water Association Emergency Response Team (see
http://www.wvrwa.org/). Harpers Ferry Water Works has analyzed its ability to effectively respond to
emergencies and this information is provided in Table 11.
Table 11. Harpers Ferry Water Works Water Shortage Response Capability
Can the utility isolate or divert contamination from the intake?
No, the utility does not have the ability to isolate or divert contamination away from the Elks Run intake.
Describe the utility’s capability to isolate or divert potential contaminants:
CONFIDENTIAL
Can the utility switch to an alternative water source or intake that can supply full capacity at any time?
Yes, Potomac Intake
Describe in detail the utility’s capability to switch to an alternative source:
CONFIDENTIAL
Can the utility close the water intake to prevent contamination from entering the water supply?
Yes, Harpers Ferry Water Works can manually close a valve between the intakes and the wet wells which would prevent contamination from entering the rest
of the system.
How long can the intake stay closed?
Indefinitely; the utility has 3-4 days of finished water storage, as well as a backup intake on the
Potomac River, the capacity of which significantly surpasses system demands.
Describe the process to close the intake: CONFIDENTIAL
Describe the treated water storage capacity of the water system:
The utility possess 991,000 gallons of treated water storage between three water tanks.
Tank #1: 241,000 Gallons
Tank #2: 250,000 Gallons
Tank #3: 500,000 Gallons
Is the utility a member of WVRWA Emergency Response Team?
Yes
Is the utility a member of WV-WARN? No
List any other mutual aid agreements to provide or receive assistance in the event of an emergency:
Harpers Ferry has a verbal agreement to provide and receive assistance to/from the National Park Service
in the event that their lands are directly affected.
25
Operation During Loss of Power
This utility analyzed and examined its ability to operate effectively during a loss of power. This involved
ensuring a means to supply water through treatment, storage, and distribution without creating a public health
emergency. Information regarding the utility’s capacity for operation during power outages is shown in Table
12.
Table 12. Generator Capacity
What is the type and capacity of the generator needed to operate during a loss of power?
CONFIDENTIAL
Can the utility connect to generator at intake/wellhead? If yes, select a scenario that
best describes system. CONFIDENTIAL
Can the utility connect to generator at treatment facility? If yes, select a scenario that
best describes system. CONFIDENTIAL
Can the utility connect to a generator in distribution system? If yes, select a scenario
that best describes system. CONFIDENTIAL
Does the utility have adequate fuel on hand for the generator?
No
What is your on-hand fuel storage and how long will it last operating at full capacity?
Gallons Hours
CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL
Provide a list of suppliers that could provide generators
and fuel in the event of an emergency:
Supplier Contact Name Phone
Number
Generator Temp-Power Generator
Rentals Associate 703-330-3663
Generator Winchester Electric
Service, Inc Associate 540-667-2040
Fuel Esi Total Fuel Management
Associate 703-729-8200
Fuel United Petroleum Associate 301-739-9816
26
Does the utility test the generator(s) periodically?
No, the utility does not currently have generators in place.
Does the utility routinely maintain the generator?
No, the utility does not currently have generators in place.
If no scenario describing the ability to connect to generator matches the utility’s system or if
utility does not have ability to connect to a generator, describe plans to respond to power
outages:
The utility is currently working on conceptual plans to upgrade the facility and provisions for backup power are
part of this conceptual plan.
Future Water Supply Needs
When planning for potential emergencies and developing contingency plans, a utility needs to not only consider
their current demands for treated water but also account for likely future needs (future demand). This could
mean expanding current sources (e.g., removing water at greater rates than present) or developing new sources
in the near future. This can be an expensive and time consuming process, and the water utility should take this
into account when determining emergency preparedness. Harpers Ferry Water Works has analyzed its ability to
meet future water demands at current capacity, and this information is included in Table 13.
Table 13. Future Water Supply Needs for Harpers Ferry Water Works
Is the utility able to meet water demands with the current
production capacity over the next 5 years? If so, explain how you plan to
do so.
Yes, the utility is able to meet water demands with the current production capacity over the next 5 years. Further residential and/or commercial growth is not planned or anticipated within Town limits over the next five-year period. On average, the system only utilizes
43% of their system capacity.
If not, describe the circumstances and plans to increase production
capacity: N/A; See above
Water Loss Calculation
In any public water system there is a certain percentage of the total treated water that does not reach the
customer. Some of this water is used in treatment plant processes such as back washing filters or flushing
piping, but there is usually at least a small percentage that goes unaccounted for due to the presence of leaks in
the distribution system. To measure and report on this unaccounted for water, a public utility must use the same
method used in the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) rule, Rules for the Government of Water Utilities,
150CSR7, section 5.6. The rule defines unaccounted for water as the volume of water introduced into the
27
distribution system less all metered usage and all known non-metered usage which can be estimated with
reasonable accuracy.
To further clarify, metered usages are most often those that are distributed to customers. Non-metered usages
that are being estimated include water used by the fire departments for fires or training, un-metered bulk sales,
flushing to maintain the distribution system, backwashing filters, and cleaning settling basins. By totaling the
metered and non-metered uses the utility calculates unaccounted for water. Note: To complete annual reports
submitted to the PSC, utilities typically account for known water main breaks by estimating the amount of water
lost. However, for the purposes of the SWPP, any water lost due to leaks, even if the system is aware of how
much water is lost at a main break, is not considered a use. Water lost through leaks and main breaks cannot be
controlled during water shortages or other emergencies and should be included in the calculation of percentage
of water loss for purposes of the SWPP. The data in Table 14 is taken from the most recently submitted Harpers
Ferry Water Works PSC Annual Report.
Table 14. Water Loss Information
Total Water Pumped (gal) 64,883,000
Total Water Purchased (gal) 0
Total Water Pumped and Purchased (gal) 64,883,000
Water Loss Accounted for Except Main Leaks
(gal)
Mains, Plants, Filters, Flushing, etc. 4,206,000
Fire Department 374,000
Back Washing 3,856,000
Blowing Settling Basins System does not blow settling basins
Total Water Loss Accounted For Except Main Leaks 8,436,700
Water Sold- Total Gallons (gal) 40,476,000
Unaccounted For Lost Water (gal) 15,970,300
Water lost from main leaks (gal) 2,455,000
Total gallons of Unaccounted for Lost Water and Water Lost from Main Leaks (gal)
18,425,300
Total Percent Unaccounted For Water and Water Lost from Main Leaks (gal)
28.40%
If total percentage of Unaccounted for Water
While the percentage of unaccounted for water is greater than 15%, this figure is artificially inflated, in part due to improper billing practices. Water system
28
is greater than 15%, please describe any
measures that could be taken to correct this
problem:
representatives have indicated that water customers have been under-billed for their water usage, with the reported gallons sold to some residents off by an order
of magnitude or greater. The net result has been an under-representation in the amount of water sold compared to the amount of water produced.
The water system maintains an active leak detection program. Major leaks are identified and repaired by the utility. A number of flow meters that are on the
order of decades old, and that haven’t been calibrated during the course of their use, will be replaced in the coming years.
Early Warning Monitoring System
Public water utilities are required to provide an examination of the technical and economic feasibility of
implementing an early warning monitoring system. Implementing an early warning monitoring system may be
approached in different ways depending upon the water utility’s resources and specific threats to source waters.
A utility may install a continuous monitoring system that will provide real time information regarding water
quality conditions. This would require utilities to analyze the data in order to establish which conditions are
indicative of baseline water quality results and which are indicative of a contamination event. Continuous
monitoring provides results for a predetermined list of water quality parameters. The more parameters being
monitored, the more sophisticated the monitoring equipment will be. When establishing continuous monitoring
systems, a utility considers the logistics of placing and maintaining the equipment, and receiving output data
from the equipment.
Alternately, or additionally, a utility may also pull periodic grab samples on a regular basis, or when
contaminant incidents occur. The grab samples often are analyzed for specific contaminants, either to help
ensure that water quality parameters are within baseline levels, or to assess abnormalities in water quality results
that may be spurred by contaminant events. A utility should examine their PSSCs to determine which l
contaminants could pose a threat to the water source. If possible, the utility should plan in advance for how
those contaminants will be measured and detected. Consideration should be given for where samples will be
collected, the preservations and hold times for samples, laboratories available to analyze samples, and costs
associated with the sampling event. Regardless of the type of monitoring (continuous or grab), utilities should
collect samples for their source throughout the year to better understand the baseline water quality conditions
and natural seasonal fluctuations. Having a baseline will help determine if changes in the water quality are
indicative of a contamination event and inform the needed response.
Every utility should establish a system or process for receiving or detecting chemical threats with sufficient time
to respond to protect the treatment facility and public health. All approaches to receiving and responding to an
early warning that poses a threat to water quality should incorporate communication with facility owners and
operators, with state and local emergency response agencies, with surrounding water utilities, and with the
29
system’s customers. Communication plays an important role in knowing how to interpret data and how to
respond.
Harpers Ferry Water Works has analyzed its ability to monitor for and detect potential contaminants that could
impact its source water. Information regarding this utility’s early warning monitoring system capabilities can be
found in Table 15 and in Appendix B.
Table 15. Early Warning Monitoring System Capabilities
Does your system currently receive spill notifications from a state agency, neighboring water system, local emergency responders, or
other facilities? If yes, from whom do you receive notices?
Yes; notifications are received from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and Local Fire
and Police Stations. The Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Public Health also sends out emails
regarding spills reported throughout the County.
Are you aware of any facilities, land uses, or critical areas within your protection areas
where chemical contaminants could be released or spilled?
Yes, details may be found in Table 8 of this report and Appendix A.
Are you prepared to detect potential contaminants if notified of a spill?
Yes, water chemistry is tested daily through raw water grab samples taken directly from Elk Run. The utility
implements monitoring of turbidity, pH, and temperature parameters. Monitoring for VOCs and SOCs are
completed through outside Lab. If any parameter is close or above the specified MCL, an investigation into the cause
will occur and the appropriate actions will be authorized.
List laboratories (and contact information) on whom you would rely to analyze water
samples in case of a reported spill.
Laboratories
Name Contact
CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL
Do you have an understanding of baseline or normal conditions for your source water
quality that accounts for seasonal fluctuations? Yes, for pH, turbidity, temperature, alkalinity and hardness.
Does your utility currently monitor raw water (through continuous monitoring or periodic grab samples) at the surface water intake or
from a groundwater source on a regular basis?
Yes; turbidity is continuously monitored and recorded. pH and temperature measurements are recorded every 4 hours. Finally, alkalinity, hardness and fluoride are measured and recorded on a daily basis. The system is also contemplating
acquiring equipment to monitor conductivity, dissolved oxygen and dissolved solids.
Provide or estimate the capital and O&M costs for
Capital CONFIDENTIAL
30
your current or proposed early warning system or
upgraded system. Yearly O & M CONFIDENTIAL
Do you serve more than 100,000 customers? If so, please describe the methods you use to monitor at the same technical levels utilized by ORSANCO.
No
Single Source Feasibility Study
If a public water utility’s water supply plant is served by a single–source intake for a surface water supply
source or a GWUDI source, the submitted SWPP must also include an examination and analysis of the technical
and economic feasibility of alternative sources of water to provide continued safe and reliable public water
service in the event that its primary source of supply is detrimentally affected by contamination from a chemical
release or spill event, or other reasons (including drought). These alternatives may include a secondary source,
two days of additional raw or treated water storage, interconnection with neighboring systems, or other options
identified on a local level. Note: a suitable secondary intake would draw water supplies from a substantially
different location or water source.
Harpers Ferry Water Works has an alternative surface water intake on the Potomac River. In a contaminant
event were to impact the Elks Run intake, the system could rely on the Potomac River intake to meet its full
demand. Additionally, the system has at least three days’ worth of finished water storage, which would meet
demands for short-term emergencies related to the Elks Run intake. Because the system has an alternative
backup source in place, it is not considered a single source system, and a feasibility study matrix is not required
at this time. However, a brief narrative describing alternative emergency preparedness options is provided in
Appendix E.
Communication Plan
Harpers Ferry Water Works also has developed a Communication Plan that documents the manner in which the
public water utility, working in concert with state and local emergency response agencies, shall notify the local
health agencies and the public of a spill or contamination event, and provide updated information related to any
contamination or impairment of the system’s sources or the system's drinking water supply. The initial
notification to the public for any such event will occur no later than 30 minutes after the public water system
becomes aware of the spill, release, or potential contamination of the public water system. Harpers Ferry Water
Works will update the Communication Plan as needed to ensure contact information is up to date.
31
The water system has procedures in place for various types of significant spills or other emergencies that can
reasonably be predicted at the source location or within the SWPA. The chain-of-command, notification
procedures and response actions are known by water system employees.
The WVBPH has developed a recommended communication plan template that provides a tiered incident
communication process to provide a universal system of alert levels to utilities and water system managers;
Harpers Ferry Water Works has opted to utilize this procedure. The Communication Plan for Harpers Ferry
Water Works is attached as Appendix C.
The WVDEP is capable of providing expertise and assistance related to prevention, containment, and clean-up
of chemical spills. The WVDEP Emergency Response 24-hour Phone is 1-800-642-3074. The WVDEP also
operates an upstream distance estimator that can be used to determine the distance from a spill site to the closest
public water supply surface water intake.
Emergency Response Short Form
A public water utility must be prepared for any number of emergency scenarios and events that would require
immediate response. It is imperative that information about key contacts, emergency services, and downstream
water systems be posted and readily available in the event of an emergency. Elements of this SWPP, such as the
contingency plan and communication plan, may contain similar information to the utility’s Emergency Response
Plan (ERP). However, the ERP is confidential and is not included in this SWPP. An Emergency Short Form is
included in Appendix C to support the Communication Plan by providing quick access to important information
about emergency response.
Conclusion
This report represents a detailed explanation of the required elements of Harpers Ferry Water Work’s SWPP.
Any additional supporting documentation or other materials that the utility considers relevant to their plan can
be found in Appendix E.
This SWPP is intended to help prepare Harpers Ferry Water Works to properly handle emergencies that might
compromise the quality of the system’s source water supply. It is imperative that this SWPP be updated as often
as necessary to reflect the changing circumstances within the water system. The Protection Team should
continue to meet regularly and continue to engage the public whenever possible. The communities taking local
responsibility for the quality of their source water is the most effective way to prevent contamination and protect
the water system against contaminated source water. Community cooperation, sufficient preparation, and
32
accurate monitoring are all critical components of this SWPP, and a multi-faceted approach is the only way to
ensure that a system is best protected against source water contamination.
33
Appendix A. Figures
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Appendix B. Early Warning Monitoring System Forms
The following forms have been prepared by WV BPH for use by public utilities, with the proper form
dependent on source type (surface or groundwater) and the presence or absence of an early warning
monitoring system. The appropriate forms for this utility to complete are Forms A and B, as the utility
has an existing early warning monitoring system. Form B is included to provide information to create a
more robust early warning monitoring system for Harpers Ferry Water Works’ surface water intake.
Form A - Complete if you currently have an early warning monitoring system installed for a surface water
source.
Form B - If you do not currently have an early warning monitoring system installed for a surface water intake or
are planning to upgrade or replace your current system, complete this form.
Form C - Complete if you currently have an early warning monitoring system for a groundwater source.
Form D - If you do not currently have an early warning monitoring system installed for a groundwater source or
are planning to upgrade or replace your current system, complete this form.
44
Appendix B- Form A
Existing Early Warning Monitoring System Worksheet- Surface Water Source
Describe the type of early warning detection equipment installed.
CONFIDENTIAL
Describe the mechanism used to store data and an institutional framework to analyze and interpret the data.
CONFIDENTIAL
Describe the process used to determine the credibility of a contamination event if a change is detected in the quality of source water.
Harpers Ferry Water Works utilizes the Potomac River Basin Commission, local and regional news, West Virginia Department of Protection, and the West Virginia State Health and Human Services Department to
determine credibility of a spill, contaminant, or change in water quality.
If a notable change is detected in water quality for a parameter regularly monitored, an additional water quality sample will be taken immediately for result verification. If the result is confirmed, more
comprehensive testing could be performed, depending on the type of water quality change observed (for the purpose of differentiating between hazard types). Harpers Ferry Water Works personnel may also choose to
close the Elks Run Intake until an appropriate course of action is determined. This would not affect the quality or quantity of water delivered to customers, as the utility has adequate storage for at least three days,
as well as a backup intake on the Potomac River, which has the capacity to meet system demands.
If the sample is in violation of an MCL, an additional water quality sample will be taken immediately for result verification. As water quality results are pending, Harpers Ferry Water Works personnel should close the Elks Run Intake until an appropriate course of action is determined. This would not affect the quality or
quantity of water delivered to customers, as the utility has adequate storage for at least three days, as well as a backup intake on the Potomac River, which has the capacity to meet system demands.
45
Appendix B-Form B; Option 1: NexSens iSIC-Mast Data Logging System
Proposed Early Warning Monitoring System Worksheet- Surface
Describe the type of early warning detection equipment that could be installed, including the design.
CONFIDENTIAL
Where would the equipment be located?
CONFIDENTIAL
What would the maintenance plan for the monitoring equipment entail?
CONFIDENTIAL
Describe the proposed sampling plan at the monitoring site.
CONFIDENTIAL
Describe the proposed procedures for data management and analysis.
CONFIDENTIAL
46
Appendix B-Form B; Option 2: Hach sc1000 Source Water Monitoring Panel (SWMP)
Proposed Early Warning Monitoring System Worksheet- Surface
Describe the type of early warning detection equipment that could be installed, including the design.
CONFIDENTIAL
Where would the equipment be located?
CONFIDENTIAL
What would the maintenance plan for the monitoring equipment entail?
CONFIDENTIAL
Describe the proposed sampling plan at the monitoring site.
CONFIDENTIAL
Describe the proposed procedures for data management and analysis.
CONFIDENTIAL
47
Appendix B-Form C Existing Early Warning Monitoring System Worksheet- Groundwater Source
Describe the type of early warning detection equipment installed.
Not Applicable. Harpers Ferry Water Works does not directly utilize a groundwater source and has no present plans to repair the infrastructure connecting the Town Spring to the water treatment plant.
How many monitoring (sentinel) wells are established?
What is the expected rate of travel of a contaminant through the groundwater system?
Provide the distance from the contaminant source to the monitoring wells.
What is the distance of the monitoring equipment to the wellhead?
Describe the mechanism used to store data and an institutional framework to analyze and interpret the data.
Describe the process used to determine the credibility of a contamination event if a change is detected in the quality of source water.
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Appendix B-Form D Proposed Early Warning Monitoring System Worksheet- Groundwater Source
Describe the type of ground water monitoring network that could be installed, including the design and location.
Not Applicable. Harpers Ferry Water Works does not directly utilize a groundwater source and has no present plans to repair the infrastructure connecting the Town Spring to the water treatment plant.
How many monitoring (sentinel) wells would need to be established?
What is the expected rate of travel of a contaminant through the groundwater system?
Provide the distance from the contaminant source to the proposed monitoring wells.
What is the distance from the proposed monitoring equipment to the wellhead?
What would the maintenance plan for the monitoring equipment entail?
Describe the proposed sampling plan at the monitoring site.
Describe the proposed procedures for data management and analysis.
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Appendix C. Communication Plan
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Communication Plan Template
For Harpers Ferry Water Works
PWSID: ____WV3301912____ District: ___Kearneysville__________
Certified Operator: CONFIDENTIAL____________________________________
Contact Phone Number: ______________________________
Contact Email Address: _____________________
Plan Developed On: 3/18/2016 Plan Update Due On: 3/18/2019
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
This plan was developed by Harpers Ferry Water Works to meet certain requirements of the Source Water and Assessment Protection Program (SWAPP) and the Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP) for the State of West Virginia, as directed by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and state
laws and regulations.
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Table of Contents
Introduction - 52
TIERS Reporting System - 52
Communication Team - 53
Communication Team Duties - 54
Incident / Event Communication Procedure - 55
TIERS Flow Chart – 57
Press Release Attachments – 58
Emergency Short Forms - 63
Emergency Contact Information - 66
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Introduction
Legislative Rule 64CSR3 requires public water systems to develop a Communication Plan that documents how
public water suppliers, working in concert with state and local emergency response agencies, shall notify state
and local health agencies and the public in the event of a spill or contamination event that poses a potential
threat to public health and safety. The plan must indicate how the public water supplier will provide updated
information, with an initial notification to the public occurring no later than thirty minutes after the supplier
becomes aware that the spill, release or potential contamination of the public water system poses a potential
threat to public health and safety.
The public water system has responsibility to communicate to the public, as well as to state and local health
agencies. This plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Legislative Rule 64CSR3, and other state and
federal regulations.
TIERS Reporting System
This water system has elected to use the Tiered Incident / Event Reporting System (TIERS) for communicating
with the public, agencies, the media, and other entities in the event of a spill or other incident that may threaten
water quality. TIERS provides a multi-level notification framework, which escalates the communicated threat
level commensurate with the drinking water system risks associated with a particular contamination incident or
event. TIERS also includes a procedural flow chart illustrating key incident response communication functions
and how they interface with overall event response / incident management actions. Finally, TIERS identifies the
roles and responsibilities for key people involved in risk response, public notification, news media and other
communication.
TIERS provides an easy-to-remember five-tiered A-B-C-D-E risk-based incident response communication
format, as described below. Table 1 also provides associated risk levels. Example press releases are provided as
attachments to this plan.
A = Announcement. The water system is issuing an announcement to the public and public agencies
about an incident or event that may pose a threat to water quality. Additional information will be
provided as it becomes available. As always, if water system customers notice anything unusual about
their water, they should contact the water system
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B = Boil Water. A boil water advisory has been issued by the water system. Customers may use the
water for showering, bathing, and other non-potable uses, but should boil water used for drinking or
cooking.
C = Cannot Drink. The water system asks that users not drink or cook with the water at this time. Non-
potable uses, such as showering, bathing, cleaning, and outdoor uses are not affected.
D = Do Not Use. An incident or event has occurred affecting nearly all uses of the water. Do not use the
water for drinking, cooking, showering, bathing, cleaning, or other tasks where water can come in
contact with your skin. Water can be used for flushing commodes and fire protection.
E = Emergency. Water cannot be used for any reason.
Tier Tier Category Risk Level Tier Summary
A Announcement Low
The water system is issuing an announcement to the public and public agencies about an incident or event that could pose a
threat to public health and safety. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
B Boil Water Advisory Moderate
Water system users are advised to boil any water to be used for drinking or cooking, due to possible microbial contamination.
The system operator will notify users when the boil water advisory is lifted.
C Cannot Drink High System users should not drink or cook with the water until further notice. The water can still be used for showering,
bathing, cleaning, and other tasks.
D Do Not Use Very High The water should only be used for flushing commodes and fire protection until further notice. More information on this notice
will be provided as soon as it is available.
E Emergency Extremely High
The water should not be used for any purpose until further notice. More information on this notice will be provided as
soon as it is available.
Communication Team
The Communication Team for the water system is listed in the table below, along with key roles. In the event of
a spill or other incident that may affect water quality, the water system spokesperson will provide initial
information, until the team assembles (if necessary) to provide follow-up communication.
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Water system communication team members, organizations, and roles.
Team Member Name
Organization Phone Email Role
CONFIDENTIAL
In the event of a spill, release, or other incident that may threaten water quality, members of the team who are
available will coordinate with the management staff of the local water supplier to:
Collect information needed to investigate, analyze, and characterize the incident/event
Provide information to the management staff, so they can decide how to respond
Assist the management staff in handling event response and communication duties
Coordinate fully and seamlessly with the management staff to ensure response effectiveness
Communication Team Duties
The communication team will be responsible for working cooperatively with the management staff and state and
local emergency response agencies to notify local health agencies and the public of the initial spill or
contamination event. The team will also provide updated information related to any contamination or
impairment of the source water supply or the system's drinking water supply.
According to Legislative Rule 64CSR3, the initial notification to the public will occur no later than thirty
minutes after the public water system becomes aware that the spill, release or potential contamination of the
public water system poses a potential threat to public health and safety.
As part of the group implementing the SWPP, team members are expected to be familiar with the plan,
including incident/event response and communication tasks. Specifically, team members should:
Be knowledgeable on elements of the SWPP and Communication Plan
Attend team meetings to ensure up-to-date knowledge of the system and its functions
Participate in periodic exercises that practice incident response and communication tasks
Help to educate local officials, the media, and others on source water protection
Cooperate with water supplier efforts to coordinate incident response communication
Be prepared to respond to requests for field investigations of reported incidents
Agree not to speak on behalf of the water supplier unless designated as the system’s spokesperson
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The primary spokesperson will be responsible for speaking on behalf of the water system to local agencies, the
public, and the news media. The spokesperson should work with the management staff and the communication
team to ensure that all communication is clear, accurate, timely, and consistent. The spokesperson may authorize
and/or direct others to issue news releases or other information that has been approved by the system’s
management staff. The spokesperson is expected to be on call immediately when an incident or event which
may threaten water quality occurs. The spokesperson will perform the following tasks in the event of a spill,
release, or other event that threatens water quality:
Announce which risk level (A, B, C, D, or E) will apply to the public notifications that are issued (see
example press releases attached)
Issue news releases, updates, and other information regarding the incident/event
Use the news media, email, social media, and other appropriate information venues
Ensure that news releases are sent to local health agencies and the public
Respond to questions from the news media and others regarding the incident/event
Appear at news conferences and interviews to explain incident response, etc.
Incident / Event Communication Procedure
The flow chart in this section illustrates how the water system will respond when it receives a report that a spill,
release, or other contamination event may have occurred. Key elements of the flow chart are described below.
Communication with agencies, the public, and the media during threat incidents
Upon initial notification of the incident/event, system managers and staff will collect information and verify the
need for further investigation. Only properly trained personnel will perform onsite investigations if permitted by
emergency responders. If further investigation is warranted, and the initial facts support it, the water system
spokesperson will issue a public communication statement consistent with the threat level. In addition, water
system personnel and partners will be dispatched to conduct reconnaissance, a threat assessment, and a threat
characterization, if present. This work may include collecting information about the:
Incident/event type (spill, release, etc.)
Location of incident/event
Type of material(s) involved in spill, release, etc.
Quantity of material involved
Potential of the material to move, migrate, or be transported
Relevant time factor(s) in the risk assessment (e.g., downstream movement rate)
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Overall level of risk to water system, whether low, moderate, high, or very high
Development of the initial risk characterization
As the flow chart indicates, several iterative cycles will occur after the initial threat assessment, including
communication with local agencies and the public, further investigation of the incident, possible implementation
of the water system’s contingency plan, and eventual elimination of the threat and a return to normal operations.
Communication activities during this period will include:
The initial release (i.e., Announcement, Boil Water, Cannot Drink, Do Not Use, or Emergency
attached)
o Sent to local health agencies, the public, and the news media within 30 minutes
Notification of the local water system’s source water protection and communication teams
o If warranted by initial findings regarding the spill, release, or incident
Notification of the WV Bureau for Public Health
o As required
Periodic information updates, as incident response information is received
Updates to the applicable A-B-C-D-E advisory tier, as necessary
After the threat level is reduced, and operations return to normal, the water system staff, the communication and
source water Protection Teams, and their partners may conduct a post-event review and assessment. The
purpose of the review is to examine the response to the incident, relevant communication activities, and overall
outcomes. Plans and procedures may be updated, altered, or adapted based on lessons learned through this
process.
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TIERS Flow Chart
Threat Assessment and Characterization Incident/event type (spill, release, etc.) Location of incident/event Material(s) involved in spill, release, etc. Quantity of material Material movement/migration potential Time factor(s) in risk assessment Level of risk to water system
o Low, moderate, high, very high Initial risk characterization Communicate*
Incident Poses a Potential Risk and Requires Notification within 30 Minutes
Public water supplier must issue notification to the public and local health agencies within 30 minutes of determining that incident poses a risk to public health and safety
Incident Does Not Pose a Risk No Further Investigation Is Needed
Does not require notification to the public and local health agencies in 30 minutes.
Should notify that known incident does not pose a risk.
Activate Incident Response Deploy incident assessment
personnel
Implement Contingency Plan if Necessary Replace/augment water source Adapt as necessary Communicate*
Return to Normal Operations Monitor any new developments Continue managing operations &
source water protection program Communicate*
Review Incident, Adapt Approach Incident response/investigation Communication activities Contingency operations
Threat Level Remains or Escalates- Communicate*
Threat is Reduced or Eliminated- Communicate*
Public Water Supplier Becomes Aware of Incident or Event
Conduct initial assessment to determine if the incident/event poses a risk to public health and safety
Communicate* Constant communication with local agencies, public, and the media is critical throughout the entire process. The initial notification should include all pertinent information, depending on the TIERS level. Regular information updates should be provided. The A-B-C-D-E TIERS levels should be updated and explained as necessary.
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Press Release Attachments
TIERS Levels A, B, C, D, and E
UTILITY ISSUED NOTICE – LEVEL A
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT
A WATER SYSTEM INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY
On _________ at ___:____ AM/PM, the __________________________ Water System began investigating an incident that may affect local water quality.
The incident involves the following situation at this location: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are no restrictions on water use at this time. As always, if water system customers notice anything unusual about their water – such as abnormal odors, colors, sheen, etc. – they should contact the water system at ___________________.
At this time there is no need for concern if you have consumed or used the water.
Regular updates will be provided about this Announcement as water system staff continue their investigation. Again, there are no restrictions on water use at this time.
State Water System ID# ________________________ Date Distributed: ___________
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UTILITY ISSUED NOTICE – LEVEL B
BOIL WATER ADVISORY
A BOIL WATER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT On _________ at ___:____ am/pm, a water problem occurred causing contamination of your water. The areas that are affected are as follows:
â–ˇ Entire Water System or â–ˇ Other: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
CONDITIONS INDICATE THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT YOUR WATER IS CONTAMINATED. TESTING HAS NOT OCCURRED TO CONFIRM OR DENY THE PRESENCE OF CONTAMINATION IN YOUR WATER.
What should I do?
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, bathing, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
What happened?
The problem is related to _________________________________________
What is being done?
The water system is taking the following action: ______________________
_______________________________________________________________
What should a customer do if they have consumed or used the water?
_______________________________________________________________
We will inform you when you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within _________ hours/days. For more information, please contact ____________________ at ______________ or ___________________ at _________.
General guidelines on ways to lessen the health risk are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.
Please share this information others who use this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice was distributed by ____________________________________________
State Water System ID# ________________________ Date Distributed: ___________
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UTILITY ISSUED NOTICE – LEVEL C
“CANNOT DRINK” WATER NOTIFICATION
A LEVEL C WATER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT On _________ at ___:____ am/pm, a water problem occurred causing contamination of your water. The areas that are affected are as follows:
â–ˇ Entire Water System or â–ˇ Other: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
CONDITIONS INDICATE THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT YOUR WATER IS CONTAMINATED. TESTING HAS NOT OCCURRED TO CONFIRM OR DENY THE PRESENCE OF CONTAMINATION IN YOUR WATER.
What should I do?
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. You can’t drink the water, but you can use it for showering, bathing, toilet-flushing, and other non-potable purposes.
BOILING WILL NOT PURIFY THE WATER. Do not drink the water, even if it is boiled. The type of contamination suspected is not removed by boiling.
What happened?
The problem is related to _________________________________________
What is being done?
The water system is taking the following action: ______________________
_______________________________________________________________
What should a customer do if they have consumed or used the water?
_______________________________________________________________
We will inform you when the water is safe to drink. We anticipate resolving the problem within _________ hours/days. For more information – or to report unusual water conditions such as abnormal odors, colors, sheen, etc. – please contact _______________ at __________ or ___________________ at _________.
Please share this information others who use this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice was distributed by ____________________________________________
State Water System ID# ________________________ Date Distributed: ___________
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UTILITY ISSUED NOTICE – LEVEL D
“DO NOT USE” WATER NOTIFICATION
A LEVEL D WATER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT On _________ at ___:____ am/pm, a water problem occurred causing contamination of your water. The areas that are affected are as follows:
â–ˇ Entire Water System or â–ˇ Other: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
CONDITIONS INDICATE THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT YOUR WATER IS CONTAMINATED. TESTING HAS NOT OCCURRED TO CONFIRM OR DENY THE PRESENCE OF CONTAMINATION IN YOUR WATER.
What should I do?
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. The water is contaminated.
DO NOT SHOWER OR BATHE IN THE WATER. You can’t use the water for drinking, showering, or bathing. It can be used for toilet flushing and firefighting.
BOILING WILL NOT PURIFY THE WATER. Do not use the water, even if it is boiled. The type of contamination suspected is not removed by boiling.
What happened?
The problem is related to _________________________________________
What is being done?
The water system is taking the following action: ______________________
What should a customer do if they have consumed or used the water?
_______________________________________________________________
We will inform you when the water is safe to drink. We anticipate resolving the problem within _________ hours/days. For more information – or to report unusual water conditions such as abnormal odors, colors, sheen, etc. – please contact _______________ at __________ or ___________________ at _________.
Please share this information others who use this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice was distributed by ____________________________________________
State Water System ID# ________________________ Date Distributed: ___________
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UTILITY ISSUED NOTICE – LEVEL E
EMERGENCY WATER NOTIFICATION A LEVEL E WATER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT
On _________ at ___:____ am/pm, a water problem occurred causing contamination of your water. The areas that are affected are as follows:
â–ˇ Entire Water System or â–ˇ Other: _____________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
CONDITIONS INDICATE THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT YOUR WATER IS CONTAMINATED. TESTING HAS NOT OCCURRED TO CONFIRM OR DENY THE PRESENCE OF CONTAMINATION IN YOUR WATER.
What should I do?
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. The water is contaminated.
DO NOT USE THE WATER FOR ANY PURPOSE! You can’t use the water for drinking, showering, or bathing, or any other use – not even for toilet flushing.
BOILING WILL NOT PURIFY THE WATER. Do not use the water, even if it is boiled. The type of contamination suspected is not removed by boiling.
What happened?
The problem is related to _________________________________________
What is being done?
The water system is taking the following action: ______________________
What should a customer do if they have consumed or used the water?
_______________________________________________________________
We will inform you when the water is safe to drink. We anticipate resolving the problem within _________ hours/days. For more information – or to report unusual water conditions such as abnormal odors, colors, sheen, etc. – please contact _______________ at __________ or ___________________ at _________.
Please share this information others who use this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice was distributed by ____________________________________________
State Water System ID# ________________________ Date Distributed: ___________
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Emergency Short Forms
Emergency Communication Information
Name Phone Number Email
Designated spokesperson:
Gregory Vaughn (304) 535-2206 [email protected]
Alternate spokesperson:
Josh Carter (304) 535-6555 [email protected]
Designated location to disseminate
information to media: Corporation of Harpers Ferry Town Hall
Methods of contacting affected residents:
Barbara Miller – Homeland Security; WVBPH – Kearneysville District Office; Newspaper – Spirit of Jefferson, Martinsburg Journal; Radio – WRNR, WEPM,
Television – WHAG TV. Robo-calling system.
Media contacts:
Name Title Phone
Number Email
Cara Young Spirit of Jefferson Office Manager
(304) 725-2046, ext. 21
Cindy Mangold The Journal Office Manager
(304) 263-8931 ext. 125
WRNR Radio (304) 263-6586
WEPM Radio (304) 263-8868
Hugh Breslin General Manager WHAG TV
(301) 797-4400
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Emergency Services Contacts
Name Emergency
Phone Alternate
Phone Email
Local Police Harpers Ferry 304-535-6366 304-671-6388 [email protected]
Local Fire Department Friendship 304-535-2211
Local Ambulance Service
Friendship 304-535-2211
Hazardous Material Response Service
DEP Spill Hotline 800-642-3074
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Key Personnel
Name Title Phone Email
Key staff responsible for coordinating
emergency response procedures?
CONFIDENTIAL
Staff responsible for keeping confidential PSSC information
and releasing to emergency responders:
Are you planning on implementing the TIER system?
Yes
Emergency Response Information
Has the utility developed a detailed Emergency Response Plan in accordance with the Public
Health Security Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Pan Act of 2002?
Yes
When was the Emergency Response Plan developed or last updated? 2011 (actively being revised)
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Emergency Contact Information
State Emergency Spill Notification 1-800-642-3074
Office of Emergency Services http://www.wvdhsem.gov/
Charleston, WV- (304) 558-5380
WV Bureau for Public Health Office of Environmental Health Services (OEHS) www.wvdhhr.org/oehs
Readiness Coordinator- Warren Von Dollen
Phone; 304-356-4290 Cell; 304-550-5607
e-mail; [email protected]
Environmental Engineering Division Staff Charleston, Central Office (304) 558-2981
Beckley, District 1 (304) 256-6666 St. Albans, District 2 (304) 722-0611
Kearneysville, District 4 (304) 725-9453 Wheeling, District 5 (304) 238-1145 Fairmont, District 6 (304) 368-2530
National Response Center - Chemical, Oil, & Chemical/Biological Terrorism 1-800-424-8802
WV State Fire Marshal’s Office 1-800-233-3473
West Virginia State Police 1-304-746-2100
WV Watch – Report Suspicious Activity 1-866-989-2824
DEP Distance Calculator
http://tagis.dep.wv.gov/pswicheck/
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Appendix D. Single Source Feasibility Study
The single source feasibility is required for a public water utility which is served by a single surface water source or a single groundwater source (i.e., one well or one spring). Harpers Ferry Water Works has one fully functional alternative water supply source of practically near-infinite quantity in place at this time. As a result, a single source feasibility study is not required for this utility at this time.
The primary source serving Harpers Ferry is a surface water intake on Elks Run, downgradient of the confluence of Elks Run and Elk Branch. Upgradient of the surface water intake is the Town Spring. The pipeline connecting Town Spring to the Harpers Ferry Water Treatment Plant has been damaged and/or collapsed, and now discharges directly into Elks Run. As a result, the quality of water emanating from the Town Spring influences the quality of water in Elks Run.
In the event that a contaminant occurrence requires that the Elks Run intake be manually closed, water treatment plant operators have the option of manually activating pumps in the wet well for the Potomac River Intake. The Potomac River serves as an emergency backup source for Harpers Ferry during times of drought or during emergency situations. Harpers Ferry Water Works exercises the appurtenances for the Potomac River Intake monthly to help ensure full functionality in times of need. In times of drought, water is captured from both Elks Run and the Potomac River to meet demand. In the event that Elks Run becomes contaminated, the Potomac River Intake and wet well have the capacity to meet system demand on a daily basis.
Additionally, the water system possesses 991,000 gallons of finished water storage, which has the capacity to meet average annual system demand for approximately three days. An additional 77,000 gallons of raw water can be accessed from the pre-sedimentation basin if required. The system possesses abundant capacity to handle short-term emergencies.
At this juncture, creation of an interconnection with another water utility is economically infeasible and is not open for consideration by the utility. Likewise, additional expansion of raw and treated water storage capacity is unnecessary, and spatially and economically challenging. Between the Elks Run and the Potomac River Intakes, which function as distinct, independent sources of water for the system, Harpers Ferry already possesses the capability to provide safe drinking water to its customers in the event that either source becomes contaminated.
Should a failure occur at the water treatment plant for any reason that is of duration long enough that the treated water storage becomes depleted; the utility would have the capability to bring in a portable water treatment trailer using its WVWARN membership. In extreme circumstances, the utility also could consider creating a purchase agreement with nearby water utilities to truck in water. To perform such an assessment entails reviewing the permits and capacities of other water systems to identify suitable entities that could handle such a demand. Such an analysis is not a scope element of this work, nor is it required at this juncture, because of the utility’s capability to utilize two different water sources capable of satisfying Harper Ferry’s demands.
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Appendix E. Supporting Documentation
Appendix E-1. ALWI PSSC Update and Source Inspection
Appendix E-2. Locally Identified PSSC Database Search
Appendix E-3. Harpers Ferry Water System SWPP
Appendix E-4. Harpers Ferry Water System Protection Team Meeting Minutes
Appendix E-5. Emergency Response Plan Signature Page
Appendix E-6. Engineering Evaluation
Appendix E-7. Railroad Emergency Response Trainings and Services
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Appendix E-1. ALWI PSSC Update and Source Inspection
Advanced Land and Water, Inc. (ALWI) performed regulatory database reviews and a desktop review/reconnaissance in order to identify changes to known PSSCs and to identify and record additional PSSCs not previously documented. The desktop review/reconnaissance also included verifying water source locations and reviewing the delineated SWPA. Both point sources and non-point sources of contamination were considered during our desktop review.
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Appendix E-2. Locally Identified PSSC Database Search
ALWI incorporated information from the following state-maintained environmental databases to supplement the non-confidential point-source hazard inventories, with the date of database publication provided parenthetically as follows:
WV Department of Agriculture; Pesticide Program Database search for Pesticide Businesses,
Regulated Pesticide Application Businesses (RPAB), Pesticide Dealers and Commercial Applicators (2/19/2016);
WV DEP Office of Environmental Remediation; Public Record of Voluntary Cleanup Program
Sites (2/19/2016);
Underground Storage Tank and Leaking Underground Storage Tank Databases (2/19/2016);
EPA System Data Search of RCRA Info Database for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) sites (2/19/2016).
The databases helped with interpretations of water susceptibility, in that the listed facilities may be generators of hazardous materials, petroleum products and/or other drinking water contaminants.
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Appendix E-3. Harpers Ferry Water System Previous SWPP
Harpers Ferry 2011 SWPP
Double click on the above icon to access pdf version of the previous SWPP document.
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Appendix E-4. Harpers Ferry Protection Team Meeting Minutes
Harpers Ferry Water Works Protection Team Meeting
March 18, 2016
1000 Washington St. Harpers Ferry, WV
In Attendance: Barbara Humes ........................Chairperson of Harpers Ferry Water Commission Josh Carter ...............................Manager, Harpers Ferry Water Works Laurel Drake ............................Harpers Ferry Water Commission Gregory Vaughn ......................Mayor of Harpers Ferry Zachary Neal ...........................Advanced Land and Water, Inc. Sarah Taggart ..........................Advanced Land and Water, Inc. Stephen M. Gyurisin ................Advanced Planning Associates, LC Monica Whyte .........................West Virginia Bureau for Public Health Alana Hartman ........................West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Suzy Campbell ........................West Virginia Conservation Agency John D. Brown .........................Chief of Harpers Ferry Police Department
Interested Participants Who Could Not Attend:
Jennifer Brockman ..................Jefferson County Department of Planning and Zoning Barbara Miller .........................Jefferson County OHSEM David Lillard ...........................West Virginia Rivers Coalition Eric Bell ...................................Jefferson County Commissioner, Harpers Ferry District
Invitees Who Did Not Respond:
Stephanie Grove ......................Jefferson County Commission County Administrator Matt Pennington ......................Region 9 Chesapeake Bay Coordinator Michael Blue ...........................Jefferson County Farm Bureau Michael Harman ......................West Virginia University Extension Office Dave Scott ...............................CSX Chris Higdon ...........................Friendship Fire Company Pete Dougherty ........................Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Rebecca Harriet .......................Harpers Ferry National Park Service
Meeting Objectives: The purpose of this meeting was to establish a Protection Team, an entity which will work to forward source water protection efforts and strategies for Harpers Ferry Water Works. More specifically, the Team worked to prioritize the major Potential Significant Sources of Contamination, critical areas, and
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other threats deemed of greatest concern to the systems’ water supply source. Management Strategies and Implementation Plans were developed for the highest priority threats. Education and Outreach Strategies were also discussed, and Implementation Plans were created for these and other management activities. Finally, the Protection Team reviewed additional general recommendations ALWI made for the water System. Timeline of Events: Following formal introductions from participating Protection Team members, ALWI staff began a PowerPoint in which we explained both the hydrologic and hydrogeologic setting of Jefferson County and broadly covered general system information pertaining to water source location and delineated areas that influence system sources, which are termed source water protection areas (SWPAs). The System has a Zone of Critical Concern (ZCC), a delineated area which represents the five hour time-of-travel for the Elks Run source, as well as a delineated recharge area for the Town Spring, which overflows into Elks Run. From there, we introduced our list of prioritized PSSCs, management strategies related to those PSSCs and education and outreach strategies to engage and educate the public on source water protection efforts. We then asked the Protection Team to opine on our PSSC list and edit prioritization, if and where appropriate. We discussed implementation measures for protection strategies, as well as education and outreach strategies, and assigned responsibility to Protection Team members who volunteered to handle each strategy. Harpers Ferry Water System Specific Discussions: During the presentation, we displayed current and future land use maps. The future growth area maps, which we acquired from the Jefferson County Planning Department website, depict anticipated residential land development in close proximity to both Elk Branch and Elks Run, and may contribute to increased stormwater runoff from overland flow and eutrophication of nearby surface water sources via septic discharge. Preliminary plans suggest that the lands proximal to Elk Branch and east of Shenandoah Junction will experience low density residential development, with sanitary sewer service hookups available. However, the lands more proximal to Elks Run and near Route 230 are planned to experience medium density residential development and will be served by individual domestic well and septic. Additional low density residential development is planned to occur along the headwaters of Elks Run as well, and these homes will similarly be served by individual domestic well and septic. Jennifer Brockman, Director of the Jefferson County Department of Planning and Zoning was invited to the Protection Team meeting, but was unable to attend the meeting at the last minute. ALWI recommended that the Protection Team continue to work with representatives from the Jefferson County Department of Planning and Zoning to limit incompatible land use development within the Zone of Critical Concern for Elks Run. As part of this strategy, Protection Team members will discuss potential revisions to local ordinances, implementation of economic incentives, and education and outreach opportunities to promote low impact development and best available technologies that will reduce stormwater runoff and potential eutrophication of nearby waterways. ALWI-identified PSSCs and Critical Areas within the Elks Run SWPA were presented and discussed, with ALWI staff explaining the basis for each potential threat. Prior to the meeting, ALWI had prioritized these potential threats, as follows (in order from highest priority to lowest priority):
1. Railroad Networks (CSX and Norfolk Southern) 2. Agricultural Activities
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3. Septic & Sewer Systems 4. Commercial Activities
ALWI asked that the Protection Team consider the threats, add additional threats conceived by the team, assess the prioritization of the threats and make any revisions to prioritization, as presented to the team. The Protection Team did not recommend any revisions to the ALWI-identified and prioritized table of PSSCs and Critical Areas. Management Strategies developed and recommended by ALWI for each of these priority concerns were discussed thereafter. During the discussion, team members volunteered to handle implementation of the recommended management strategies. Relevant management and implementation strategies were discussed as follows:
Railroads – While Ms. Barbara Miller, Director of Jefferson County OHSEM, was invited to the Protection Team meeting, she was unable to attend. However, Chief John D. Brown of the Harpers Ferry Police Department was in attendance. ALWI recommended that the Protection Team contact additional emergency response personnel (including OHSEM) to discuss working with CSX and their shortline partners to take advantage of free training (online and in classroom) offered by the railroad corporation. These training exercises include online workshops, training at emergency personnel facilities, and train car response workshop activities. ALWI also recommended that emergency personnel pursue gaining access to the CSX Rail Respond Program, which informs emergency personnel as to which materials are being transported on CSX railways. Chief Brown informed the Protection Team that he was granted access to this resource within the last three weeks, and is communicating with other emergency personnel to make sure they are aware of the program. ALWI also recommended that the system work with emergency response personnel to identify suitable locations to store pre-stockpiled emergency spill response equipment that would promote rapid response time to emergency situations that develop within the ZCC. This remains an outstanding task to be discussed with OHSEM, though Chief Brown indicated that Berkeley County would also be able to assist in emergency situations and should be capable of mobilizing to the area within a period of approximately 25-30 minutes. Berkeley County is currently undergoing improvements to their emergency response program and associated capabilities. Finally, we discussed the general communication pathways in place to disseminate spill information. Currently, Harpers Ferry Water Works receives notifications from the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin for spills that affect the Potomac River. However, notifications related to spills within the Elks Run watershed originate from email notifications from the County Health Department or phone calls from the County OHSEM office. Since the travel time for contaminants arising from spills along Elks Branch and their potential associated capture at the surface water intake for Harpers Ferry is on the order of minutes to hours, immediate notification to Harpers Ferry Water Works personnel will be critical to prevent contamination of the water treatment plant. In this regard, ALWI recommended that Harpers Ferry Water Works be one of the first entities to receive notification of spills from 911 operators when spills are reported within the ZCC. Josh Carter of Harpers Ferry Water Works volunteered to discuss the above points with Barbara Miller during the current source water protection effort.
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Commercial Activities – A limited number of commercial facilities exist within the Elks Run SWPA. There are a total of two facilities within the ZCC identified by BPH, and they include an automotive repair shop and a lawn mower repair shop. Additional commercial and industrial facilities exist outside the ZCC, but within the watershed delineation area. However, as this was the inaugural source water protection meeting, an emphasis was placed on those facilities within the ZCC. The Protection Team felt it would be appropriate to provide site-specific Best Management Practice (BMP) documents to these commercial facilities to raise awareness about source water protection efforts and ensure potential contaminants are stored and disposed of using best available methods. While such facilities present the possibility of volatile or synthetic organic carbon contamination of water sources, quantities stored on-site are likely of de minimus quantity (relative to the quantity of water moving through the watershed) and likely pose a minimal threat to the water system from a federal drinking water compliance standpoint. Harpers Ferry Water Works intends to discuss outreach measures to commercial facilities with David Lillard of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition to see if his organization can provide these documents to such facilities.
Septic System(s) – Biological impairment and potential eutrophication of Elks Run and Elks Branch by failing septic discharges were discussed at some length during the meeting. Previous studies have indicated that more than 1,200 septic systems are located within the watershed, with many of these distributed in high density residential developments proximal to Route 230, west of the confluence of Elk Branch and Elks Run, and adjacent to much of Elks Run. The entirety of the SWPA for Elks Run is located outside of the jurisdiction of the Town of Harpers Ferry. During the meeting, we discussed reaching out to Jennifer Brockman (who could not attend the meeting), the Director of the Department of Planning and Zoning, to discuss the possibility of requiring that new residential lots that will be served by private well and septic utilize Best Available Technologies (BATs), such as pre-treatment, within the ZCC. At this time, it is unknown if such a possibility is feasible and within the authority of the planning department and county health department. Alana Hartman of WV Department of Environmental Protection and Suzy Campbell of the West Virginia Conservation Agency indicated that both agencies publicize cost-sharing initiatives to pump and maintain residential septic systems through the Elks Run Watershed Group. Both representatives promote proper maintenance of septic systems through educational and outreach activities, both within the watershed and across the County. Unless one of the adjacent utilities has the capacity and capability of incorporating future developments into their water and wastewater system, future residencies will likely be served by individual well and septic systems. The focus will be to promote the use of BATs at new residencies, and/or to replace failing systems with BATs, and to continue to provide cost-sharing opportunities to residents with existing systems who wish to partake in the septic pumping maintenance program.
Agricultural Practices - The Team discussed sediment loading, and the introduction of bacteriologicals and nutrients to County waterways that are associated with agricultural lands. Discussions primarily focused on agricultural lands that lacked adequate riparian buffer zones near stream corridors, pastoral lands that permitted livestock direct access to stream corridors, and those lands that had high runoff and erosion potential that would impact Elks Run. ALWI recommended that the Protection Team open a renewed dialogue with agricultural land owners to focus on implementing additional physical boundaries (such as livestock exclusion fencing along stream corridors) or alternative agricultural practices (including cover crops, crop rotation,
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implementation of nutrient management plans, etc.). ALWI recommended the use of grant funding opportunities to promote implementation of many of these programs, and/or educational outreach about programs that have no cost to the landowner (such as the nutrient management plan program) and those that provide economic incentives to landowners who participate in land retirement programs, including CREP. Mrs. Suzy Campbell of WVCA indicated that her organization has provided cost-sharing opportunities to land owners for creation of livestock exclusion fencing on their lands. She also indicated that some of the recommended programs, such as a push for cover crops, are already utilized and are popular in the area. Mrs. Campbell volunteered her agency to continue reaching out to landowners to discuss cattle exclusion fencing, riparian zone restoration, implementation of nutrient management plans, cover crops, and other management practices that would help reduce non-point pollution originating from agricultural and pastoral lands.
New Growth – While Ms. Jennifer Brockman, director of the Jefferson County Department of Planning and Zoning, was unable to attend the Protection Team meeting, proposed residential growth was discussed at some length. Discussions primarily focused on methods to potentially implement low impact development, either through ordinance revision, an economic incentive program, or through educational and outreach measures on the Planning Departments behalf. Discussions primarily focused on encouraging BATs for septic systems (as discussed above) and on promoting subdivision plans that encourage open space, preserve riparian buffer zones, limit impervious surface creation and reduce stormwater runoff by endorsing on-site infiltration and/or biological treatment and uptake. During the discussion, Ms. Monica Whyte of WV BPH volunteered to reach out to Jennifer Brockman to discuss these concepts. The Protection Team decided that it would be best to discuss revisions to the stormwater management, flood plain and subdivision ordinances to promote these strategies. If conversations with Ms. Brockman indicate that this cannot be performed or completed, Ms. Whyte agreed to discuss implementation of economic incentive programs that would promote low impact development. In this manner, a land developer might be charged a County fee or tax if their subdivision plans indicate they will exceed an impervious surface cap imposed by the County. If the developer exceeds the cap, they might be charged a fee that can be used to promote watershed management and restoration strategies elsewhere in the watershed. The goal of the program would not be to penalize developers, but to promote them to incorporate forest and open space preservation and the best stormwater management techniques available into their plans. Those that utilize these strategies or otherwise limit impervious surface development would have the fee waived. Should the economic incentive program prove to be infeasible or non-enforceable, then Ms. Whyte has agreed to discuss education and outreach opportunities with Ms. Brockman whereby the County would promote the use of low impact development designs to land developers.
During the course of the meeting, other topics were discussed, including water quality monitoring programs and alternative stormwater management and drainage way restoration techniques. In regards to water quality monitoring, Mrs. Campbell indicated that her organization will be working with the USGS to conduct DNA testing of E. Coli in Elks Run to determine if these bacteria originate from humans (indicating influence from failed septic systems) or livestock (indicating influence from pastoral and agricultural lands). She indicated that she would share the results of the study with the Harpers Ferry Water Works. She also discussed macroinvertebrate and other water quality sampling her organization performs with local schools to raise educational awareness about the health of Elks Run. These results
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will also be shared with the Harpers Ferry Water Works upon request. In regards to stormwater management and design, Mrs. Campbell indicated that her organization is studying the effectiveness of alternative swale drainage systems at Duffields MTA station and Sam Michaels Park. She also indicated that the Elks Run Watershed Group (of whom she is a key member) is performing streambank stabilization projects on Elk Branch downgradient of the Duffields MTA station to reduce streambank erosion and reduce sedimentation of Elks Run and the Potomac River. The Education and Outreach Strategies recommended by ALWI were discussed, and responsible members were chosen for each category. The Harpers Ferry Water Works agreed to host source water protection information on the Town website to provide general information, provide a draft copy of the source water protection plan for public comment and review, and to raise awareness about the need for volunteers to help expand the Elks Run Watershed Group. Mrs. Campbell stated that she would continue to organize and publicize cleanup events in the watershed, and the Harpers Ferry Water Commission indicated a willingness to help advertise these events to reach a greater volunteer base. Mrs. Campbell also indicated that her co-worker, Ms. Heather Duncan, will continue to work with local middle schools to promote educational and outreach opportunities via their stream macroinvertebrate program, which is used to assess the biological health of the stream. The Team also discussed communicating with Beth Brent to display source water information in public locations. Likewise, similar discussions will be had with other key County personnel. The Team also discussed the concept of establishing source water protection area signs near key roadways, which may be placed on voluntary landowner properties. The meeting, which began at approximately 9:00 AM, was adjourned at 12:00 PM.
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Appendix E-5. Emergency Response Plan Signature Page
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Appendix E-6. Engineering Evaluation
CONFIDENTIAL
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Appendix E-7. Railroad Emergency Response Trainings and Services
The information included in this Appendix may be found at the following web addresses (respectfully):
Online Education:
General - https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/about-us/safety/community/emergency-responder-
training-and-education/
Online Trainings – www.csxsafe.com
Planning Guides – http://csxhazmat.kor-tx.com/
Additional Training Opportunities - http://www.beyondourrails.org/index.cfm/safety/
Rail Respond:
Program Information – http://www.beyondourrails.org/index.cfm/safety/respond/
Safety Train:
Program Information – http://www.beyondourrails.org/index.cfm/news-stories/articles/csx-
safety-train-delivers-enhanced-outreach-to-first-responders-and-communities/
Related Article – http://www.richmond.com/business/article_6b1526cf-e3fe-55d4-bec6-
37601609a875.html
CSX Corporate Social Responsibility Report (additional information on the Safety Train
program may be found on page 50) -
https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/library/files/responsibility/csr-report-files/corporate-social-
responsibility-report/
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Appendix F-8. Considerations for Future SWPPs
Following submittal of the 2016 Harpers Ferry Water Works Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP), the
West Virginia Bureau for Public Health requested that the following factors or corrections be included
in future iterations of the SWPP:
A map depicting the Zone of Peripheral Concern for the Potomac River Intake (backup source)
has been included in this submittal (Figure 7A), and should be featured in future iterations of the
SWPP.
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Harpers Ferry Water Works
Public Outreach and Involvement Summary
The Protection Team: Efforts to engage local stakeholders, government entities and specific
members of the community in forming the Harpers Ferry Water Works (HFWW) Source Water
Protection Team are listed below.
1. ALWI provided HFWW a recommended list of entities (including local stakeholders,
government officials, etc.) to consider inviting to participate on the Protection Team. This
list also contained contact information for each potential invitee.
2. On behalf of HFWW, ALWI sent a formal invitation to each invitee selected by HFWW
from the above mentioned list, by mail and electronically (email).
3. RSVPs were received by ALWI over the next few weeks, and reported to HFWW prior to
the Protection Team Meeting, which was held on March 18, 2016. The system’s Source
Water Protection Plan (SWPP) documents which invitees responded, and which were
willing to participate on the Protection Team.
4. The corresponding minutes for the March 18, 2016 Protection Team Meeting can be
found in Appendix E-4 of the HFWW SWPP.
The Public Workshop: Efforts to publicize the HFWW Source Water Protection Public
Workshop are listed below.
1. A Press Release was developed and provided to both HFWW and the Eastern Panhandle
Regional Planning & Development Council (Region 9). The press release was distributed
to the local media and posted on the HFWW website, as well as the Region 9 website.
The SWPP Report: Efforts to inform the public of the SWPP update and to receive comments
and opinions on the content of the report are listed below.
1. ALWI created a SWPP Summary PowerPoint presentation for Region 9 to host on their
website. This afforded the public an opportunity to view general SWPP information prior
to the Draft SWPP being uploaded for public review and comment.
2. A public version of the SWPP Draft was posted on the Region 9 website for the public to
opine on, prior to final submittal of the plan to WV BPH. At the close of the public
comment period, ALWI discussed comments received with HFWW and updated the
SWPP accordingly.
October 13, 2016 West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, Office of Environmental Health 350 Capitol Street, Room 313 Charleston, WV 25301-3713 Attn: Source Water Protection Program Re: Protection Plan Comments Submitted electronically to: [email protected] Dear Mr. Rodeheaver, The Source Water Protection Plans are a critical first step in the protection of our drinking water sources. These plans help to identify and prioritize potential drinking water contamination sources and help water utilities develop a plan to respond to a contamination event. Involving the public in the development of these plans is crucial part of the planning process. These hearings need to be advertised well in advance to give the public ample opportunity to attend. Overall, these plans are thorough, well-organized and well-designed. There is good information on the system that is easy to understand. Harpers Ferry SWPP
Contingency Plan-It’s not clear what the back-up power supply is, if there is one. Table 12, Generator capacity about what type of generator and how the system is set up is marked as confidential. A list of fuel providers is give, but then is says that generators are not in place. Harpers Ferry plans to upgrade the facility with back-up power generation-is there currently any back-up power generation capabilities?
Early warning system-seems that all samples are collected right near the intake. While not required by the law, has Harpers Ferry considered sample collection or monitoring further upstream on Elk Run or the Potomac, to provide more warning of a contamination event?
Contamination threats - The mapping provided in this version only shows previously identified PSSCs. Is there additional mapping that shows the BPH data? And the locally identified PSSCs?
Charles Town SWPP
Contingency Plan - Charles Town will request GPPs and Stormwater management plans from commercial and industrial facilities. Does this include all facilities within the SWPA? What will Charles Town do with this info? How will they reach out to facilities of concern directly? Should they also consider reviewing Spill Prevention Response Plans for ASTs?
West Virginia Rivers Coalition Source Water Protection Plan Comments 2
Alternative Source Water - In Table 11, the use of an alternative intake is noted as “Potential” yet there is no other description of an alternate water supply. Other than storage tanks, what is the alternative water supply?
Early warning monitoring system – This section is mostly marked as confidential. It’s not clear how source water is monitored. Can any more details be provided? While not required by the law, has Charles Town considered sample collection or monitoring further upstream on the Shenandoah to provide more warning of a contamination event?
Shepherdstown
Contingency Plan – It’s great that they have formally identified a secondary intake. There is no generator for emergencies; is there a plan for one? Leakages in the system are identified. Is there a plan in place for preparing leakage?
Outreach - They have an education and outreach plan, but it is web-based. They need to consider that not everyone is on the internet. When will it be implanted? We recommend press and media strategies to inform the public of its availability.
Contamination threats – Please state methods for prioritizing risk of PSSCs. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on these important plans. Sincerely, Autumn Crowe Program Director West Virginia Rivers Coalition
